Liverpool Transfer Rumors: Reds Should Let Andy Carroll Return to Newcastle

Liverpool once thought Andy Carroll would lead the team's attack for many years to come. After 18 disappointing months, it appears the best option for everybody involved would be letting the striker return to Newcastle United.

Lee Ryder of the Evening Chronicle reports Carroll isn't happy that he wasn't given a chance to make an impression on new manager Brendan Rodgers. Due to that, he's targeting a trip back to Newcastle, where he was a breakout star.

The 23-year-old England international scored just four goals in 35 Premier League appearances last season. His lack of success was a major reason the Reds offense finished in the middle of the pack alongside a couple relegated squads.

It seemed like the pressure associated with the massive offer it took to land him took its tool on Carroll. It's hard enough to produce under normal circumstances, but when the spotlight is consistently on a player, it becomes exponentially harder.

Carroll quickly discovered that but still hasn't been able to excel at Anfield. With Rodgers starting to build the team his way, it looks like Carroll has become one of the odd men out.

If Rodgers has no plans for him moving forward, there's no reason to hold him hostage. He still has plenty of potential, but it will be impossible to realize it if he spends most of the season sitting on Liverpool's bench.

A return to Newcastle would allow him to escape the spotlight and get back to the basics, which allowed him to become a coveted transfer target in the first place. It would be the perfect place to try to get his career back on track.

It comes down to the fact that some players just doesn't respond well to being constantly under the microscope. Carroll still has time to change that reputation but, at least for now, he falls into that category.

He would be able to escape that with Newcastle. It wouldn't be a surprise if his production immediately returned to previous levels if he did return to St James' Park.

Even though the return on investment would be incredibly low, the Reds have no reason to keep Carroll around unless he's going to be featured prominently. They are better off taking the best offer they can get right now and open up room for other possible moves.

It would also eliminate the potential distraction of having a disgruntled player on the roster during Rodgers' first season at the helm.

All things considered, letting Carroll go is the best course of action for both him and Liverpool. That should make getting a deal done easier.